Bolivian school of the XIX century

Bolivian school of the 19th century.
"Virgen de la Candelaria as patron and protector of Bolivia" and "Saint Joseph with Child".
Polychrome metal plate on both sides.
Silver frame.
Measurements: 8.2 x 6.9 cm (plate); 10.3 x 7.5 cm (frame).
This is a medallion with a metal plate polychromed on both sides which represents, allegorically, the nation of Bolivia. On the obverse side, the artist shows the image of the Candelaria with the Child, dressed in a beautiful golden mantle full of precious stones, meticulously worked. Four Bolivian flags emerge from her attire, waving honourably against an indeterminate background. Technically, the image derives from the stylistic concepts assimilated in the colonial process. However, it can be seen in this work that, in the early years of the 19th century, at the time of the independence and political opening up of some of the colonies, several artists began to represent a new model of painting with its own identity. On the back, the artist depicts the image of Saint Joseph (identified with the flowering rod) with the Child, a family scene full of tenderness derived from Baroque art. Until the Counter-Reformation, the figure of St Joseph was usually kept in the background, as no theological importance was attached to him. From Trent onwards, however, his leading role as Jesus' protector during his childhood, as a guide during his youth, was recovered, and as such he is depicted here.